Profile: Tullio Orlandi

Chip shops are like pubs in Ireland; there is one on every corner. But on Limerick’s Parnell Street there is one that is not like the others. Luigi’s is a family fish and chip shop opposite the city train station in a fairly unsensational part of town. But step into this long-established eatery and you will be transported to a little piece of Manhattan, New York.

Opened 30 years ago by Luigi Orlandi the takeaway had languished in traditional chip shop décor for years – generic menus on the wall and Formica countertops for example. But after Luigi’s son, Interior Designer Tullio, returned from a stint working in New York, he wet his feet in the Irish market by taking on the family business premises.

I meet Tullio early one morning at Luigi’s, shutters down and staff cooking up the first batch of breakfast. First things first we discuss what he is up to now; an expanding corporate client list plus exciting residential projects in the pipeline. It seems his return to Limerick was a worthwhile risk. But it all started here in this bijou chipper.

It’s clear this project was a labour of love. Inspired by the antique hammered tin ceilings in New York, Tullio shipped these reproduction tiles in from the U.S. and then struggled to find someone who could fix them to the ceiling (the first attempt resulted in the entire ceiling crashing down to the floor). At the time of the renovation metro tiles were not an interiors staple and could not be found in the quantities required not to mention the curves in the wall that proved a nightmare for the tiler. There was major rewiring to accommodate the cluster ceiling lights, another challenge for the local tradesmen as they were the first of their kind in Limerick. The classic Tolix design chairs and stools had to come straight from the original manufacturer as they were not yet available in Ireland.

This I what I love about interior design. It’s not just about making a room pretty, but curating a range of master skills, be it handmade lights or bespoke wall murals, to create a comprehensive and cohesive space that appeals to all eyes. Of course it helps that your chomping down on a fine plate of fish and chips while taking it all in.

I did ask Tullio if there was anything left of the original chip shop. “The Formica countertop,” he replied. “It’s still there under the stainless steel”. If it not’s broke…

The interior at Luigi’s Fish and Chip shop. Note the hammered metal ceiling and trim, and the original Tolix chairs, all shipped in from New York. The sign was hand painted by local Limerick artist Tom Collins and the ceiling lights were handmade by Mullan Lighting in Northern Ireland.

The alcove features a dark charcoal paint and original Tolix bar stools from the U.S. The distressed timber wall cladding is in fact laminate flooring that has been attached to the wall.

The shelving was custom made and the accessories were sourced all over Limerick including Lucky Lane Market for the glassware.

The hand painted chalk board signs were all created by artist Jo Cregg.